Jacobin Radio

What if a corporate merger became the hottest movie of the year? The hosts dive into the latest Deadpool and Wolverine film, questioning whether it lives up to its predecessors. They explore Disney's influence on superhero cinema and lament the drop in storytelling quality. Amid humorous critiques, they dissect the clash of tones in the multiverse, contrasting humor with emotional depth. The conversation highlights cinematic contradictions, aesthetic failures, and the commodification of beloved characters, all while reflecting on modern filmmaking's impact on audiences.

Abdel Razzaq Takriti, an expert on the Iranian Islamic Revolution's influence in the Arab East, discusses the profound shifts in regional politics. He delves into how the revolution inspired religiously-based resistance movements and impacted the Palestinian struggle, leading to key developments like the rise of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The conversation explores the intersections of nationalism, authoritarianism, and the geopolitics of the Iran-Iraq War, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shaped the Middle East's revolutionary landscape.

Naomi Hossain explains the uprising in Bangladesh that deposed PM Shekih Hasina. Then Sandipto Dasgupta, author of Legalizing the Revolution, examines the transformation of India from colony to nation through the drafting of its constitution.

Marc Cooper, a journalist known for his leftist political insights, and Robert Brenner, a historian of social movements, delve into the implications of a dynamic Democratic Convention. They discuss how the convention's pro-union and youthful vibe united different party factions while downplaying crucial issues like climate change and Palestinian rights. The duo critiques the Harris-Waltz campaign's strategy of balancing progressivism with mainstream appeal, all amidst a divided political landscape that demands engaging non-voters and reassessing class discourse.

Haskell Wexler, a legendary cinematographer and director, and Luke LeBrun, a National Post columnist known for his investigative work, dive into the chaotic atmosphere of the 1968 Democratic National Convention. They explore Wexler's groundbreaking film 'Medium Cool', discussing its blend of documentary and narrative styles. The conversation also critiques the evolving dynamics of political messaging within the Democratic Party today, while reflecting on the ethical challenges faced by journalists. Their insights provide a compelling look at the intersection of politics and media.

Jake Werner, an advocate for progressive China policy at the Quincy Institute, discusses a nuanced approach to U.S.–China relations, challenging the view of China as a threat. He emphasizes the importance of cooperation for global economic growth. Gabriel Hetland reviews Colombian president Gustavo Petro's journey from guerrilla leader to reformist, addressing his struggles to govern within a conservative political landscape. They delve into Colombia's 'total peace' initiative, the ongoing violence, and the hope for legislative reform amid a leftist resurgence in Latin America.

Sunaura Taylor, an influential author advocating for the intersections of animal rights and disability liberation, joins her sister Astra Taylor to discuss her thought-provoking book, 'Beasts of Burden.' They explore how disability and animal rights intertwine within leftist politics. The conversation delves into the impacts of industrial agriculture on both climate and marginalized communities. Sunaura challenges prevailing perceptions of animals and advocates for a reevaluation of our ethical relationships, promoting a more inclusive approach to social justice.

Pauly Shore, a comedian known for his unique commentary on American culture, dives into the world of celebrity politics and media narratives. He reflects on his 2012 special, which eerily predicted the political troubles ahead. The conversation touches on the superficiality of celebrity influence in politics, comparing Shore's humor with sharper satirical voices. Additionally, they explore the evolution of an Oscar blogger from a pro-Hillary stance to embracing MAGA, critiquing the media’s role in shaping political sentiments amid a chaotic landscape.

Ilya Budraitskis and Grusha Gilayeva, passionate Russian dissident activists, delve into the complexities surrounding recent political prisoner exchanges from Russia. They discuss the fates of brave figures like Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara Murza, who risked everything opposing Putin. The duo raises questions about the ethical implications of using human lives in geopolitical maneuvers and the ongoing crisis faced by over a thousand prisoners still in captivity. Their insights reveal the resilience and struggles of the Russian opposition amid oppressive conditions.

Hamilton Nolan, a sharp commentator, joins Sohrab Ahmari for a fierce debate on the authenticity of pro-worker Republicans, questioning if they truly exist or are just a facade. Arielle Klagsbrun sheds light on the right-wing billionaire Jeff Yass and his extensive influence on political financing and educational policies. The discussion dissects the intersection of wealth and labor rights, tackling the need for unity in the pro-worker agenda across political lines, and challenges the Republican Party's claims of supporting worker interests amidst rising privatization efforts.